Global Trends in Beverage Preferences

Data on beverage intakes in 187 countries reveal diversity in existing intakes and trends in global consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices and milk. The Global Burden of Diseases Nutrition and Chronic Diseases Expert Group, led by a team at Tufts University (Massachusetts, USA), analyzed data from 195 dietary surveys, representing over half of the world’s population, and also incorporated food availability data in 187 countries between 1990 and 2010. Taking into account differences in these sources of data, statistical analyses determined the average consumption levels of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices and milk in 1990 and 2010 among men and women (age 20 years and older) in seven age groups in 187 countries. Sugar-sweetened beverages were defined as sodas, fruit drinks, sports/energy drinks, sweetened iced teas and homemade sugary beverages such as frescas. In 2010, average global consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was highest in men ages 20-39: 1.04 8-oz. servings per day. Adults in the U.S. had the 26th-highest consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages out of 187 countries, averaging 1 serving per day.  Fruit juice consumption was highest in women ages 20-39: 0.23 8-oz. servings per day.  In the U.S., adults consumed about 0.36 servings of fruit juice per day, the 21st highest consumption out of 187 countries. Milk (skim, low fat, whole and other dairy drinks)  consumption was highest among women over age 60 years, consuming 0.68 8-oz. servings per day.  In the U.S., adults consumed on average 0.69 servings per day, the 64th highest consumption out of 187 countries. Noting the large variations of beverage intake preferences worldwide, the study authors submit that: “These data are valuable for highlighting gaps in dietary surveillance, determining the impacts of these beverages on global health, and targeting dietary policy.”